Teens charged in home invasion

Three Kewanee teenagers face multiple charges after what police described as a home invasion on West Mill Street early Thursday.

Mike Berry

Three Kewanee teenagers face multiple charges after what police described as a home invasion on West Mill Street early Thursday.

Police received a complaint at about 2 a.m. Thursday of several people breaking down a door at a home at 127 W. Mill St. Officers learned that the suspects had fled the area.

According to a news release issued by Police Chief Jim Dison, the officers learned that a disturbance had taken place inside the home and at least one person was struck several times with a baseball bat.

Officers relayed the suspect and vehicle information to other officers and within minutes the suspect vehicle was located in the 300 block of Elliot Street with five people inside. All were taken into custody and transported to the police station, and a bat was recovered from the vehicle, Dison said.

As a result of the investigation, Anthony W. Suggs, 19; Kenneth A Lucas, 19; and William D Young, 18, all of Kewanee, were taken to the Henry County Jail.

Suggs, Lucas, and Young made a first appearance in court Thursday and charges were read. All are charged with Class X felony home invasion, Class 4 felony criminal trespass to a residence while persons were present, Class 3 aggravated battery in a public place and Class 4 property damage.

Lucas was also charged with misdemeanor possession or consumption of liquor by a minor. Young received a fifth charge of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge Larry Vandersnick set bail for all three at $100,000 and preliminary hearings were set for Jan. 28.

According to the battery charge, a baseball bat was used to strike Earl Gregg, 46, in the body. He was treated and released at Kewanee Hospital, according to an emergency room spokeswoman.

The charges involving property damage state a door and frame at the home were damaged.

Suggs indicated he would hire private counsel. His motion to be released on recognizance was denied.

Public defender Gene Stockton was appointed for Lucas, while Ed Woller will represent Young.